Last year we saw ruffles, vintage dresses, the one-shoulder dress, monochrome and plenty of pretty little bows. This year, lace sleeves are back in style thanks to one very hot Duchess, tea-length gowns and the little white wedding dresses are all the rage and off-the-shoulder and high-low hemlines are ruling the bridal catwalks.
We take a look at some of the hottest wedding dress trends for 2012, some you’ll like, some you’ll love, some you might even loathe, but we definitely have something to suit every type of bride-to-be.
1. Blush
It was once one of the most worn shades for bridesmaid dresses, but now blush is taking over as one of the most popular hues for brides. Blush is an elegant, feminine colour and offers something different to the brides who want to shun all things traditional, conservative and white! Of course, none other than the Queen of bridal fashion herself, Vera Wang does this trend best!
Dresses by Vera Wang.
2. Lace Sleeves
Who can forget that dress in April 2011, and we’re not talking about Pippa! Kate Middleton’s frock by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen really helped revive the lace sleeve trend. Not only was this guna perfect for a Princess-to-be it also suited Kate’s ladylike persona down to a T – which is an important feature to remember when searching for your own wedding dress.
Image of Kate Middleton courtesy of The British Monarch | Dresses Monique Lhuillier
3. The Little White Dress
If you’re looking to avoid all the drama of a full-length bridal gown, then a short wedding dress is worth thinking about! It’s perfect for getting hitched in a registry office or in the back garden, which is very ‘right-now’ – See our Top 20 Wedding Trends for 2012! It’s also an excellent "change into" dress and one that you can definitely wear again!
Dresses by Delphine Manivet
4. Tea-Length Wedding Dress
Cute, kitsch and perfect if you’re a lover of decades gone by. Justin Alexander’s Collection is full of beautiful 1950s styles that will add a hint of playfulness to your overall look. It goes without saying that amazing shoes are a must, or even colourful ones if you want to be a bit more daring.
Dresses by Justin Alexander
5. The Feather Look
This look is the epitome of femininity! The ball gown skirt is made up of a mixture of frayed organza and feather embroidery. The feathers will float and sway as you move, making sure that all eyes will be on you as you glide up the aisle. Not only will you feel like you’ve landed on Cloud 9, you’ll look like you have too.
Dresses by Lazaro.
6. Off-the-Shoulder Dress
This was once a very traditional look but now designers are pairing this shoulder-baring trend with a modern style bodice and skirt which is giving this neckline a new lease of life. This style flatters most body types and it’s a great way to show off your shoulders with a bit more coverage than a strapless style. Feminine, romantic and very sexy, plus your Granny will love it!
Dresses by Provonias.
7. The Slit
The slit has made its way back onto the catwalk and it’s sexier than ever! A style that should be worn with a tight-fitting dress, the racy slit can still be very elegant and should be on the top of your list if you have great pins, but still want to wear a long dress. Your Granny probably won’t love this one!
Dresses by Monique Lhullier
8. High-Low Hemline
Dresses that are short at the front and long at the back are very popular for 2012! They will give you the best of both worlds and help add to the overall drama and romance of the gown. They are also the chicest way to show off an amazing pair of shoes and perfect for a modern city chic wedding!
Dresses L-R: Tobi Hannah | Romona Keveza | Carol Hannah |
9. The not-a-wedding-dress-wedding-dress
Maybe it’s your second-time round or you feel that a bridal gown is just not for you, whatever the reason, wearing something other than a wedding dress for your big day can still be very chic. You really can choose whatever you like – trouser suits, hats, short dresses, long dresses or pants suits – but do get something you absolutely adore, it is your big day afterall! This trend is also recession proof as you can wear the ensemble again.
Images L-R: Stephanie Allin | Coast
10. Illusion Necklines
Sheer necklines are dominating the bridal runways at the moment! A sheer layer of fabric covers the skin, so you get a strapless look with some added coverage, as seen here with Reem Acra’s 2012 Collection. Designers are also adding embellishments to the neckline to give this soft, graceful look a more glamorous vibe.
For more wedding dress trends see our Wedding Dress section in our Suppliers Directory.
